Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...or-all-mobile-phones/articleshow/32112006.cms LONDON: Europe is all set to amend its radio equipment laws to develop a common charger for all mobile phones in the continent. Members of the European Parliament (MEP) voted unanimously for the changing of the laws calling for a single charger to be developed for all mobile phones sold in the EU to reduce waste, costs and hassle for users. The new draft law has already been informally agreed with the council of ministers. "The modernised Radio Equipment Directive is an efficient tool to prevent interference between different radio equipment devices. I am especially pleased that we agreed on the introduction of a common charger. This serves the interests both of consumers and the environment. It will put an end to charger clutter and 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually," said rapporteur Barbara Weiler. The draft directive lays down harmonised rules for placing radio equipment, including cellular telephones, car-door openers and modems, on the market. The draft law was approved by 550 votes to 12, with 8 abstentions. It will still have to be formally approved by the Council. Member states will have two years to transpose the rules into their national laws and manufacturers will have an additional year to comply. The rules aim to keep pace with the growing number and variety of radio equipment devices and ensure that they do not interfere with each other while respecting essential health and safety requirements. MEPs called for a renewed effort to develop a common charger for certain categories of radio equipment, in particular mobile phones, because it would simplify their use and would reduce unnecessary waste and costs. They amended the draft law to stipulate that the ability to work with common chargers will be an essential requirement for radio equipment
